Choosing to write under your real name is such an important and powerful step. It was something that definitely changed the game for me, although in my case, I was rebranding my professional copywriting business under my own name. (I used to use a pseudonym to separate that work from my creative work.) Wishing you the best of luck!
Debra, I’m so excited for the rebrand—this new chapter you’re entering. Cheering you on. In the fall I’m hoping to do more live chats on the topic of self-publishing/the book industry/author career, etc. Let me know if you’d be interested in doing a live with me? Would love to hear more of your story and experience. ☀️
Hi Kassi, thank you so much..I don’t really feel comfortable doing lives (it's just not my thing), but I’d absolutely be open to collaborating in another way, maybe a written Q&A or something similar. I’d love to share more of my story with you in a format that works for both of us. 💕
I completely understand everything you shared here. From the name (I used to go by janedoe) to Amazon as a platform. Brava to you for taking charge. That’s criminal to not pay you for 47 copies and devastating to remove 400 reviews!!!
I want to do the same. I’m on the verge of releasing my first audible but trying to figure out which platform. Thus far, audible through Amazon still reigns supreme.
Who will host your books now? I was considering BOOKSBY- but I don’t know much about them. Do you?
Thank you so much, Sage I really appreciate you sharing that with me. I know how disheartening those kinds of setbacks can be, but they often end up pushing us to take back control.
Right now, I’m still weighing my long-term hosting options, but I’ve narrowed it down to Draft2Digital, building a website, Barnes & Noble Publishing and Bookvault.
I’ve heard mixed things about Booksby — mainly that it’s a good platform if you already have a large audience, but not as strong for newer authors.
Some of my clients have shared good experiences with Kobo for both audiobooks and ebooks. I’ll likely test a couple of platforms before committing, and if I land on something I’m really happy with, I’ll be sure to share the details.
Debs, my friend, this is so powerful and brave. I felt every word. Taking your name back, your voice back, is such a profound act of healing and reclamation. I’m so frustrated by what they did to you. No writer should be treated that way. But I’m incredibly proud of you for standing tall, for reclaiming your name and your work. This rebrand isn’t just a shift, it’s a powerful act of courage. You’re not just stepping into your name, you’re stepping fully into your light. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Good for you, Debra. I’m glad you’re republishing under your own name. Sorry to hear about you not getting your payouts, and I hope that gets rectified. Good luck with everything!
Gurl, I remember you when you were D.L. Heather and thought you decided to change the pen name to Debra King and thought it was a better pen name. Reminded me of Stephen King and feels much better (to me). Who knew it is your real name! Embrace it, Debra! And where are you moving your books to? Will it be on your website?
I love that you remember my D.L. Heather days Billie! 😊 It’s funny, for the longest time, I hid behind that name because I wasn’t ready to share my writing as me. But the past few months have given me the courage to finally step into my own skin, and using my real name feels… right.
I’m still deciding where my books will land long-term, but I’m leaning toward hosting them on my own website, along with using platforms like Draft2Digital and possibly Bookvault for print. I’ll definitely share updates once everything’s in place! 💛
I hate what KDP did to you but I’m so happy for you and your confidence in putting yourself out there! You and your accomplishments deserve to be celebrated!
I’m so glad to hear this. I haven’t published my first book yet but I’m heading in that direction soon (hopefully). I struggled with being seen as well. This gave me lots to think about!
I’m so happy this resonated with you. The journey to being seen—especially through our work is such a brave thing. Whenever you’re ready, your story will find its way out exactly when it’s meant to.
Choosing to write under your real name is such an important and powerful step. It was something that definitely changed the game for me, although in my case, I was rebranding my professional copywriting business under my own name. (I used to use a pseudonym to separate that work from my creative work.) Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you. I can see how that would be a big shift for you, too—there’s something both scary and freeing about putting your real name on your work.
Your rebrand is so inspiring, Deb.
Thanks so much Priya 💕
Debra, I’m so excited for the rebrand—this new chapter you’re entering. Cheering you on. In the fall I’m hoping to do more live chats on the topic of self-publishing/the book industry/author career, etc. Let me know if you’d be interested in doing a live with me? Would love to hear more of your story and experience. ☀️
Hi Kassi, thank you so much..I don’t really feel comfortable doing lives (it's just not my thing), but I’d absolutely be open to collaborating in another way, maybe a written Q&A or something similar. I’d love to share more of my story with you in a format that works for both of us. 💕
I totally understand. And happy that we can collaborate in another way. I’ll reach out soonish. What’s the best way to reach you?
Sounds great! Feel free to reach out here in the chat. 💕
👍🏻
I completely understand everything you shared here. From the name (I used to go by janedoe) to Amazon as a platform. Brava to you for taking charge. That’s criminal to not pay you for 47 copies and devastating to remove 400 reviews!!!
I want to do the same. I’m on the verge of releasing my first audible but trying to figure out which platform. Thus far, audible through Amazon still reigns supreme.
Who will host your books now? I was considering BOOKSBY- but I don’t know much about them. Do you?
Thank you so much, Sage I really appreciate you sharing that with me. I know how disheartening those kinds of setbacks can be, but they often end up pushing us to take back control.
Right now, I’m still weighing my long-term hosting options, but I’ve narrowed it down to Draft2Digital, building a website, Barnes & Noble Publishing and Bookvault.
I’ve heard mixed things about Booksby — mainly that it’s a good platform if you already have a large audience, but not as strong for newer authors.
Some of my clients have shared good experiences with Kobo for both audiobooks and ebooks. I’ll likely test a couple of platforms before committing, and if I land on something I’m really happy with, I’ll be sure to share the details.
Debs, my friend, this is so powerful and brave. I felt every word. Taking your name back, your voice back, is such a profound act of healing and reclamation. I’m so frustrated by what they did to you. No writer should be treated that way. But I’m incredibly proud of you for standing tall, for reclaiming your name and your work. This rebrand isn’t just a shift, it’s a powerful act of courage. You’re not just stepping into your name, you’re stepping fully into your light. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Saira,that was beautiful. Thank you my dear friend.
My pleasure, my dear friend. What you’re doing is so inspiring, powerful, and important. I’m truly honoured to walk beside you.
I totally understand! Healing is a process...
I am also disenchanted with Amazon and would be very interested to know about alternatives. Where are you moving your books to?
Healing really is such a layered journey.
I’m still exploring my long-term options, but right now I’m leaning toward Draft2Digital, my own website, and possibly Bookvault for print.
I’ve also heard good things about Kobo for ebooks and audiobooks. I’ll share an update once I’ve found a setup I’m happy with. 💜
Good for you, Debra. I’m glad you’re republishing under your own name. Sorry to hear about you not getting your payouts, and I hope that gets rectified. Good luck with everything!
Thanks John :)
Gurl, I remember you when you were D.L. Heather and thought you decided to change the pen name to Debra King and thought it was a better pen name. Reminded me of Stephen King and feels much better (to me). Who knew it is your real name! Embrace it, Debra! And where are you moving your books to? Will it be on your website?
I love that you remember my D.L. Heather days Billie! 😊 It’s funny, for the longest time, I hid behind that name because I wasn’t ready to share my writing as me. But the past few months have given me the courage to finally step into my own skin, and using my real name feels… right.
I’m still deciding where my books will land long-term, but I’m leaning toward hosting them on my own website, along with using platforms like Draft2Digital and possibly Bookvault for print. I’ll definitely share updates once everything’s in place! 💛
I think your real name beats the pen name so good on you! Can't wait for the updates!
💜💜💜
I hate what KDP did to you but I’m so happy for you and your confidence in putting yourself out there! You and your accomplishments deserve to be celebrated!
Thank you Katrina. It’s been a long road getting here, but I’m finally learning to celebrate the things I used to downplay or hide.
Yes! Please don’t hide yourself, you’re so inspirational!
I’m so glad to hear this. I haven’t published my first book yet but I’m heading in that direction soon (hopefully). I struggled with being seen as well. This gave me lots to think about!
I’m so happy this resonated with you. The journey to being seen—especially through our work is such a brave thing. Whenever you’re ready, your story will find its way out exactly when it’s meant to.
So good. Happy for your rebranding. Proud of you for rewriting your creation with the real name!! ❤️❤️
Thanks so much Kalpana ❤️
🫂
You’re brave and courageous. Cheering you on ✨